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Pastor Dean's Blog
 I was fortunate to meet and visit with Promise Keepers founder Bill McCartney several years back. Recently I was glancing at the picture of him I have in my office and it set my mind to thinking about a story he told in his book, Sold Out.
"I spoke at a large arena. The moment I stepped off the stage, I began asking friends and associates how I'd done. There were high fives, back slaps, encouraging compliments to the effect that I'd 'hit a home run.' I went back to the hotel quite pleased with myself.
The next morning, early, I went to my knees. God wasn't to be found. I asked, 'Lord, where are you? I rose early to meet with you. I spoke of your wonder and glory last night. I praised You with all my heart. I thought You would be pleased. What have I done? Where are you?'
In that very instant, I sensed God was asking me a direct question: 'Last night, when you finished your message, why didn't you ask Me how you did? You came to Me for anointing to speak, but you went to your friends seeking their opinions. Why did you not seek Mine first?'
It broke my heart to hear it. But it was true. I'd spent weeks seeking God's heart for that message. And it was a home run; the power of the Holy Spirit fell upon that arena-not because of anything I said, but because God showed up. And yet I didn't seek God's affirmation first. I sought the approval of men. I confessed my sin and repented. Immediately God's sweetness returned. It shocked me into seeing that the only One I've ever needed to please is God."
That story has stuck with me through the years and I have tried to make it my own. It certainly isn't that we all don't need and like affirmation from our peers, but it is important to always remember whether we are preaching, singing, fixing sandwiches for a funeral lunch, or handing out bulletins in the end there is only one we really need to please.
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